Read

Stations of the Cross

Creator:
Published:
November 29, 2023
March 28, 2018
Grotto Network presents Stations of the Cross: Encounters Along the Way.

If you’ve recently walked inside a Church, you may recall seeing fourteen paintings or sculptures representing Jesus’ journey from the time He is sentenced to death until His body is laid in the tomb. These Stations of the Cross (also known as the Way of the Cross) draw us closer to Jesus as we reflect on the immeasurable love He poured out for us in his suffering and dying.

Tradition traces this ancient form of prayer back to Our Blessed Mother, when she made her own journey retracing her Son’s last steps. Mary’s reflection on the events and encounters of Jesus on His way to Calvary, is known as the Via Dolorosa, or the Sorrowful Way.

While this prayer has its roots that date back centuries, there is a depth and power to it, that when prayed today, can help transform our modern world. We come to understand that “we are not bystanders to an historical event,” but called to find ourselves in the story.

Are you Simon? Relate to Veronica? Do you ever feel crushed by the weight of your own struggles? Wherever you see yourself, reflecting on the stations helps us understand that we are never alone. When we fall and when we feel like we are on the top of a mountain, Jesus is there — with a love so strong it endured the weight of the Cross.

Our team at Grotto Network invites you to reflect with us this Holy Week. You can pray the entire Stations of the Cross at once, or set aside time each day this week to sit with the various experiences and encounters.

Whichever you choose, our advice is to just be you. Come to the Cross, just as you are! There is no need for perfection. No need for clarity. You don’t have to hide your authentic self. Just be you. Jesus will meet you there. You don’t have to fix yourself first or hide the dark parts of your life. Walk with Jesus.

The encounters you experience along His way will expand your heart, making room for His love to find a home in your life and give you the courage to go out and serve. As Pope Francis, beautifully said, the Cross of Christ teaches us to “look upon others with mercy and tenderness, especially those who suffer.”

Have courage! Walk with us along the way through Grotto’s Stations of the Cross.

Go to the Stations of the Cross

Creators:
Grotto
Published:
November 29, 2023
March 28, 2018
On a related note...
One Way to Remember to Pray for Others

One Way to Remember to Pray for Others

Amanda Roberts

"Desperately seeking some guidance"

"Desperately seeking some guidance"

Stephanie Konrady

Christmas Day Reflection

Christmas Day Reflection

Grotto

Faith Inspired by Saint Oscar Romero

Faith Inspired by Saint Oscar Romero

Grotto

Good and Decent S2|E8: Backstrokes and Headspins

Good and Decent S2|E8: Backstrokes and Headspins

Grotto

St. Thérèse of Lisieux Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

St. Thérèse of Lisieux Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Grotto

What Would a Debt Jubilee Mindset Look Like in Our World Today?

What Would a Debt Jubilee Mindset Look Like in Our World Today?

Mike Jordan Laskey

Why We're Grateful for Every Kind of Mom

Why We're Grateful for Every Kind of Mom

Grotto

Grotto Talks with Mark Wahlberg about His Faith

Grotto Talks with Mark Wahlberg about His Faith

Grotto

Grotto's Live Conversation from Rome

Grotto's Live Conversation from Rome

Grotto

Cafe Offers Healing For Recovering Women

Cafe Offers Healing For Recovering Women

Grotto

Why Confession is Always Worth It

Why Confession is Always Worth It

Rick Becker

Blessed Chiara Badano Sets an Example We All Can Follow

Blessed Chiara Badano Sets an Example We All Can Follow

Katie Faley

Slowing Down to Find Refuge in the Woods

Slowing Down to Find Refuge in the Woods

Lucy Cobble

4 Ways to Respond When Your Goals Feel Out of Reach

4 Ways to Respond When Your Goals Feel Out of Reach

Robert Christian

How to Get the Most Out of Your Vacation Time

How to Get the Most Out of Your Vacation Time

Molly Gettinger

Road Trip These Pilgrimage Destinations

Road Trip These Pilgrimage Destinations

Mary Frances Myler

Saint Stephen Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Saint Stephen Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Grotto

St. Thomas the Apostle Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

St. Thomas the Apostle Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Grotto

One Way to Bring Imaginative Prayer to Life

One Way to Bring Imaginative Prayer to Life

Amanda Roberts

newsletter

We’d love to be pals.

Sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll meet you in your inbox each week.